Chinese spies use LinkedIn to target UK officials and military staff
Summary
Chinese spies are using job and professional networking websites like LinkedIn to target UK government and military personnel for sensitive information, according to intelligence agencies. These spies create fake job ads and pressure candidates to share confidential details that could harm national security.Key Facts
- The warning comes from intelligence agencies of the Five Eyes countries: UK, US, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
- Chinese military intelligence poses as workers from private companies or thinktanks to attract candidates online.
- They advertise fake jobs in fields like foreign policy and defense to gather sensitive information.
- Targets include people with direct or indirect access to classified government or military information.
- Recruitment happens through virtual interviews and encrypted messaging, with candidates asked to submit trial reports.
- Recruits are paid through various payment platforms, including PayPal, Western Union, and cryptocurrency.
- Disclosing sensitive information without permission could lead to spying charges.
- MI5 has previously warned about similar recruitment efforts targeting up to 20,000 Britons on LinkedIn.
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